How to Install a Ridge-And-Soffit Ventilation System With An Existing Roof

Soffit Vents

• 1

  Locate the studs beneath the soffit board with the stud finder, and mark each one. The soffit vents fit between the eaves' studs.

• 2

  Create a cardboard template of the vents, a half inch smaller on all sides than the actual vent size. Place the template against the soffit board and trace it.

• 3

  Poke holes in the opposite corners of the traced vents with the jigsaw. Cut out the soffit vent opening, using the jigsaw.

• 4

  Place the soffit vent over the vent hole. Ensure the vent louvers are facing the house.

• 5

  Slide screws into the holes in the sides of the soffit vents and tighten them in the vents and soffit board with the screwdriver.

Ridge Vents

• 6

  Climb up onto your roof with the ladder. Use caution when working on your roof.

• 7

  Pry off the shingles and nails from your roof’s ridge line with the hammer’s claw by 6 inches on each side of the ridge. Cut out any roofing paper and pry any staples out of the wood.

• 8

  Squeeze a line of caulk on either side of your ridge line, 6 inches from the peak of the roof on each side.

• 9

  Put on the goggles and turn on the saw. Cut off the roof sheathing on the inside of the caulk line with the saw to create an opening in the top of your roof’s ridge.

• 10

  Squeeze a new line of caulk at the edge of the cut.

• 11

  Place the ridge vent over the ridge. Use a hammer and nails to secure it to the roof. Space the nails apart by 3 to 5 inches.

• 12

  Dab caulk into the head of each nail.

• 13

  Arrange the shingles over the edge of the ridge vent, and nail them in place with the hammer.